McKinlay Leaves Watford After Eight Days

Billy McKinlay has left his position as manager of Watford Football Club, after just eight days in the role.

McKinlay only replaced Oscar Garcia at the end of September.

Garcia, who had replaced Giuseppe Sannino following his resignation in August, had suffered a health scare and stepped down after spending time in hospital.

However, Hornets owner Gino Pozzo has now dispensed with McKinlay after just two games at the helm because he feels he needs an experienced boss with a proven track record.

Explaining the decision to hire the 46-year-old Serbian Jokanovic, Pozzo said in a statement published on the club's official website: "Our job is always to act in the best long-term interests of this football club. There can be no compromise on this - whatever the circumstances.

I fully support and endorse the view from our technical staff that, given the talented squad which has been assembled and our position in the league, an experienced head coach with a winning pedigree is of primary importance to help ensure the success we are all striving for.

The supporters of Watford have always been very understanding towards our project here and I am certain they will continue to do everything they can to support the new coach and his squad."